Early complications of preoperative external traction fixation in the staged treatment of tibial fractures: A series of 402 cases

Figure 1 Illustration for external traction fixator. A: AO/OTA-41 with the femoral supracondylar and lower tibia entry point; B: AO/OTA-42/43/44 with the upper tibia and calcaneus entry point; C: Traction after fracture, restoring alignment and length through ligament tension.

Figure 2 Illustrative case 1. A: Radiograph after injury (AO/OTA-41-C3); B: Soft tissue swelling and blisters before external traction fixator installing; C: Ten days after external traction fixator application; D: Preoperative radiograph showed increased joint space and improved plateau alignment; E: Postoperative radiograph.

Figure 3 Illustrative case 2. A: Radiograph after injury (42-A1, 4F1A); B: Soft tissue swelling and skin contusion before external traction fixator installing; C: External traction fixator application. D: Preoperative radiograph showed a satisfactory fracture alignment.

Figure 4 Illustrative case 3. A: Radiograph after injury (AO/OTA 43-C3); B: Soft tissue swelling and skin contusion after external traction fixator application; C: Preoperative radiograph showed an improved fracture alignment; D: Postoperative radiograph showed a plate combined fixation.